As I watch him, I wonder if his flamboyant personality is the reason he gets along with Yulian. If fighting all the time is considered getting along, that is.
Nikolai points at his reflection. “Looking good.”
I pull myself up with a bit of a challenge for my fiftieth rep. “Is that important?”
“Is what important?”
“Looking good in this setting. It’s not like you’re crushing on one of them.”
He grins at me through the mirror. “Maybe I am.”
I go slack, my arms screaming under my weight, and then drop from the bar, my fall louder than usual.
“What the hell, Nikolai? If the wrong person finds out, you’ll be in danger. This isn’t exactly our turf, and your parents always told you to be careful around outsiders or those who don’t belong in the close circle.”
He lets out an exasperated sigh. “I know, I know. It’s not like I’ll be fucking left and right in public.”
My muscles are still tense as I help him set up the weights, then I frown.
Why the hell am I stressing out anyway?
Yes, Nikolai came out as bi a year ago and even threw a party to celebrate it, but he didn’t come out to his grandfather or uncles or even the elders in the organization. He needs to be careful about the places he announces he loves dick as much as pussy.
This camp isnotone of those places.
“Relax. It’s just a harmless crush. For now.” He laughs as he lies down on the bench.
“Who are you crushing on?” I stand next to him as he lifts.
He blows out a breath, his face reddening with exertion, but he doesn’t say anything, completely focused on his task.
“Yulian?” I ask, sounding almost bored, but that sharp malaise settles at the bottom of my stomach.
“Yulian?” He hands me the bar, and I help him deposit it on the hooks.
“Yeah.”
“What gave you that idea?”
“I don’t know. All the fighting you guys do?”
“Fuck no. I wouldn’t trust that crazy motherfucker anywhere near my dick.” He sits up. “Also, pretty sure he’s straight, and you know I don’t fuck with straight guys.”
“How do you know he is?”
“Saw him laughing when he was FaceTiming a girl in secret.”
“He could be bi like you.”
“Nah, didn’t sense the vibes. Anyway, I’m not interested in him whatsoever.”
“Good. He’s bad news.”
“I’m bad news, too!”
“Not as bad as he is.”
“Cyrus, on the other hand…” He whistles. “I love guys who are so put together. I wonder what it’d take to make him crumble.”
